Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe
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This homemade tiramisu recipe is sure to delight, impress, and satisfy. With its rich layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone filling, and dusting of rich cocoa powder, it’s got the perfect balance of flavors all wrapped up in creamy deliciousness. Turn regular dessert time at home into a fancy Italian cafe experience with this no-bake treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
While I like serving homemade desserts to my family as much as possible, it’s not every day that I have time to bake. That’s why I always keep a few no-bake dessert recipes up my sleeve for busy days – treats that require less effort but give the same indulgence, like my favorite quick Christmas treat, no-bake reindeer chocolate bark.
This time, I want something we can enjoy year-round, and I thought of tiramisu! My Italian friend always makes it for our neighborhood get-togethers. She goes out of her way to buy high-quality eggs and swears that it makes all the difference. It was always such a treat and I had no idea it was actually so easy to make. I often make it at home now, either as an after-dinner dessert or a party treat, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven required: Skip the heat! This is the perfect dessert when you don’t feel like turning on the oven – just dip, layer, chill, and serve.
- Amazing flavors: Flavors of coffee, mascarpone cheese, cocoa, and dark chocolate in one dessert? Yes please!
- Creamy perfection: This homemade tiramisu is rich yet light, bold yet delicate, and every bite is smooth, velvety, and melts in your mouth.
- Make-ahead friendly: It gets even better as it chills, making it a great dessert to prepare in advance.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins and swap out flavors and ingredients.
- All-around treat: Simple enough for home enjoyment, but elegant enough to serve at dinner parties and special occasions year-round.
How to Make Tiramisu
This no-bake tiramisu is so effortlessly elegant that it’s almost unfair how easy it is to make – no worrying about baking times, no chance of overcooking, and no babysitting required. This recipe requires a little bit more work to prep than some of our other desserts, but since there is no baking involved, everything balances out. Plus, it’s super fun to dip the ladyfingers in coffee and layer them into the cake – my kids even volunteer to help out when I’m making this!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Egg yolks: Provide richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the dessert. They also help thicken the custard-like base.
- Granulated sugar
- Mascarpone cheese: This creamy Italian cheese serves as the base of the filling, adding richness and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Whipped and folded into the mascarpone mixture, giving the tiramisu its light, fluffy texture.
- Brewed espresso: The ladyfingers are dipped in coffee to achieve the ideal tiramisu texture.
- Dark rum or coffee liqueur: Optional, for added depth and flavor.
- Vanilla extract
- Ladyfingers: Also called Savoiardi biscuits, these light, airy sponge cookies absorb the espresso and create the base structure of the tiramisu. They soak up the flavors while maintaining their shape.
- Cocoa powder: Optional, used as a garnish to add a bit of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the dessert. I use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Dark chocolate shavings: Optional, for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this delicious tiramisu requires 5 simple steps, from preparing the mixture and assembling the layers to dusting with cocoa powder and garnishing with chocolate shavings. Follow the instructions below to start making this delicious, centerpiece-worthy dessert!
Step 1: Prepare the egg yolk mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy. Place the mixture over a double boiler and whisk constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Once cooled, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese.
Step 2: Whip the cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
Step 3: Dip the ladyfingers
In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with the rum or coffee liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and place them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or a similarly sized serving dish.
Just a quick dip of the cookies, you don’t need to soak them.
Step 4: Assemble the layers
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the moist ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 5: Chill and garnish
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
To dust your dessert, first sift cocoa powder through a fine mesh strainer to ensure there are no lumps. Hold the strainer about 4 to 5 inches above the surface of your dessert and tap the edge gently to let the powder fall evenly.
You can use a circular motion for a more artistic look. After dusting, clean up any excess around the edges with a dry brush or paper towel, leaving only a delicate, professional finish on top of your dessert.
If you’ve never made chocolate shavings before, start by chilling your chocolate bar for 10 to 15 minutes to firm it up and make clean, neat shavings. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to gently scrape the surface of the bar, creating delicate curls or thin shavings. For finer pieces, a grater or zester can be used. Work slowly and carefully, keeping your strokes consistent to achieve even, beautiful shavings.
Substitutions
Missing an ingredient or two? Here are some ideal substitutes to try:
- Mascarpone cheese: It can’t be tiramisu without mascarpone!
- Heavy cream: All out? You can make heavy cream from alternative ingredients. You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though it won’t be as rich.
- Brewed espresso: Replace with strong brewed coffee.
- Dark rum or coffee liqueur: Swap out with flavored syrups like caramel or vanilla for a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, try other liqueurs like Kahlúa or amaretto for different flavor profiles.
- Vanilla extract: Use vanilla bean paste instead. Just make sure to stir it in well. Almond extract could also work in a pinch.
- Ladyfingers: If ladyfingers aren’t available, you can use sponge cake, pound cake, or even biscotti. If using cake, be sure to cut it into similar-sized pieces to ensure the right texture.
- Dark chocolate shavings: Substitute with milk chocolate shavings or chocolate chips.
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature mascarpone: For the smoothest, creamiest texture, let your mascarpone cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Cold mascarpone can create a lumpy mixture when combined with the other ingredients.
- Avoid soggy biscuits: Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture for only 1 to 2 seconds. You don’t want the cookies to soak and become soggy; a quick dip is enough to absorb the right amount of liquid while keeping them firm.
- Create a chocolate layer: Add a decadent chocolate layer by spreading a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between the mascarpone layers. This adds richness and a wonderful cocoa flavor that complements the coffee and mascarpone.
- Get creative with mix-ins: For a bit of texture, try adding a layer of chopped nuts, like toasted hazelnuts or slivered almonds, between the mascarpone layers. For a fresh take, add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches between the layers.
- Make paty-perfect cuts: Run a knife under hot water to heat it up then use it to slice into the tiramisu, wiping it clean in between cuts. This way, you’ll get slices with clean, smooth edges.
- Serve in glass: Serve tiramisu in individual glass jars or cups for a personal touch at parties or gatherings. It’s easy to portion out, and the layers look even more impressive when displayed in a transparent container.
How to Store This Recipe
This tiramisu tastes better when made ahead – the longer it chills, the richer the flavors get. Place made-ahead tiramisu (or leftovers) in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, make the cake as usual, but don’t garnish. Cover in plastic wrap or tinfoil, or place in a freezer-safe container, then keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then dust and garnish a few hours before serving.
What to Serve with Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a rich, indulgent dessert, so it’s best enjoyed on its own or paired simply. It’s nice with a side of fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries) for a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers, or with a crisp treat like biscotti, almond crescent cookies, or shortbread. A drizzle of raspberry or chocolate sauce can also complement its flavors beautifully.
For a warm and comforting pairing, serve with a freshly brewed espresso, cappuccino, or a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate in winter.
More Easy Desserts To Try
Easy Tiramisu Recipe (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup espresso freshly brewed, cooled to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ladyfingers or savoiardi biscuits
- cocoa powder unsweetened, for dusting (optional)
- dark chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy. Place the mixture over a double boiler and whisk constantly for about 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with the rum or coffee liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and place them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or a similarly sized serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the moist ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature mascarpone for the best results. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before using, as cold mascarpone can create a lumpy mixture when combined with the other ingredients.
- Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture for only 1 to 2 seconds. You don’t want the cookies to soak and become soggy; a quick dip is enough to absorb the right amount of liquid while keeping them firm.
- Add a decadent chocolate layer by spreading a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between the mascarpone layers for added richness and a flavor that complements the coffee and mascarpone.
- For a bit of texture, try adding a layer of chopped nuts between the mascarpone layers. For a fresh take, add berries between the layers.
- Run a knife under hot water to heat it up then use it to slice into the tiramisu, wiping it clean in between cuts, for slices with clean, smooth edges.
- Serve tiramisu in individual glass jars or cups for a personal touch at parties or gatherings. It’s easy to portion out, and the layers look even more impressive when displayed in a transparent container.
